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Wada Y, Watanabe J, Yamamoto N, Kubota T, Kamijo K, Hirano D, Takahashi H, Fujiwara H. Association between earthquakes and perinatal outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 166:228-237. [PMID: 38234161 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence for the association between earthquakes and adverse perinatal outcomes is limited. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the association between earthquakes and perinatal outcomes including preterm birth and low birth weight. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched studies using MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Platform Search Portal, and ClinicalTrials.gov on February 9, 2023. SELECTION CRITERIA We included before-and-after studies that evaluated the associations between earthquakes and perinatal outcomes in women living in affected areas. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two independent reviewers extracted data. We calculated the pooled odds ratio (OR) with the random-effects model. We analyzed outcomes in subgroups of Asians and others. We evaluated the certainty of evidence with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. MAIN RESULTS We included 2 607 405 women in 13 studies. Earthquakes may not increase preterm birth (nine studies, 1 761 760 participants: OR 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98-1.24, low certainty of evidence) or low birth weight (seven studies, 1 753 891 participants: OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.94-1.28, low certainty of evidence). Subgroup analyses showed that earthquakes may be associated with an increase of preterm birth among populations in Asia (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.07-1.95), but this was not evident in others (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.83-1.05). CONCLUSIONS Perinatal outcomes might not change after earthquakes. Further research on the association between earthquakes and perinatal outcomes, combined with an assessment of the characteristics of the region, is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshimitsu Wada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
- Scientific Research WorkS Peer Support Group (SRWS-PSG), Osaka, Japan
| | - Jun Watanabe
- Scientific Research WorkS Peer Support Group (SRWS-PSG), Osaka, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Division of Gastroenterological, General and Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
- Center for Community Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Norio Yamamoto
- Scientific Research WorkS Peer Support Group (SRWS-PSG), Osaka, Japan
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takafumi Kubota
- Scientific Research WorkS Peer Support Group (SRWS-PSG), Osaka, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kyosuke Kamijo
- Scientific Research WorkS Peer Support Group (SRWS-PSG), Osaka, Japan
- Department of Gynecology, Nagano Municipal Hospital, Nagano, Japan
| | - Daishi Hirano
- Scientific Research WorkS Peer Support Group (SRWS-PSG), Osaka, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hironori Takahashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Fujiwara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
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Suzuki S, Sato N, Miyazaki M. Maternal experiences of pregnant women affected by natural disasters: A modified grounded theory approach. Nurs Health Sci 2024; 26:e13135. [PMID: 38866383 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.13135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Pregnant women experience medical and psychological difficulties in their daily lives during disasters. Since the care provided to them in disaster situations is unclear, it is necessary to better understand their experiences. This study aims to identify the maternal experiences of pregnant women during natural disasters. This research employed a modified grounded theory approach. Twenty-three pregnant women, living in disaster-affected areas, were interviewed. The research methods were utilized and interpretive analysis was conducted, resulting in a diagram and storyline to describe the process. The characteristics of the maternal experiences fluctuated between "being unable to face pregnancy because of the disaster response" and "facing the fact of being pregnant." To maintain a fluctuation between their affected life and their pregnant life, it was necessary to control the weighting between "securing a safe and secure place," "encountering support based on pregnancy," and "signs from the fetus." Clarifying the maternal experiences of pregnant women living in disaster areas revealed a multilayered structure of categories and relationships. This study suggests that understanding the structure of fluctuations and control is critical for the nursing practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoko Suzuki
- Human Development, JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naho Sato
- Graduate School of Nursing, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
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Lee DS, Batyra E, Castro A, Wilde J. Human fertility after a disaster: a systematic literature review. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20230211. [PMID: 37161332 PMCID: PMC10170212 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertility is a key demographic parameter influenced by disaster. With the growing risk of disasters, interest in the fertility response to a disaster is increasing among the public, policy makers and researchers alike. However, a systematic literature review on how disaster affects live birth counts does not yet exist. We reviewed 50 studies retrieved from a systematic search based on a pre-registered protocol. We found an overall negative impact of disasters on fertility. If any, increases in fertility were mostly linked with weather-related physical disasters. We also identified 13 distinct mechanisms which researchers have considered as underlying the fertility effects of disaster. By contrast to the common belief that disasters are more likely to increase fertility in contexts with already high fertility, we found little evidence to suggest that the total fertility rate of the studied populations was an important predictor of the direction, timing or size of fertility impacts. While this may be because no relationship exists, it may also be due to biases we observed in the literature towards studying high-income countries or high-cost disasters. We summarize the methodological limitations identified from the reviewed studies into six practical recommendations for future research. Our findings inform both the theories behind the fertility effects of disasters and the methods for studying them.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Susie Lee
- Centre for Demographic Studies (CED), Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Ewa Batyra
- Fertility and Well-being, Max-Planck-Institute for Demographic Research, 18057 Rostock, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany
- Centre for Demographic Studies (CED), Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Andres Castro
- Fertility and Well-being, Max-Planck-Institute for Demographic Research, 18057 Rostock, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany
- Centre for Demographic Studies (CED), Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Joshua Wilde
- Fertility and Well-being, Max-Planck-Institute for Demographic Research, 18057 Rostock, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany
- Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), 53113 Bonn, Germany
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Adibi Larijani H, Moslehi S, Dowlati M. Identifying the Preparedness Components for Sexual Violence in Natural Disasters: A Systematic Review. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2022; 36:158. [PMID: 36721492 PMCID: PMC9884150 DOI: 10.47176/mjiri.36.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The probability of sexual violence in areas affected by natural disasters may increase. An increase in the rate of unwanted pregnancies and subsequent intentional abortions, physical and mental injuries, and death can be the consequences of sexual violence. One of the characteristics of natural disasters is their unpredictability and ambiguity. Since decisions must be made quickly during the response, there must be adequate planning in advance, and preparedness in the community will reduce surprises in the responding organizations. This study aimed to identify the factors affecting the preparedness against sexual violence in natural disasters. Methods: In this study, an electronic search was performed in the MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases. Other search resources, such as Science.gov, Scienceopen.cond Meta-search engines, organizational websites, including UNICEF, UNFPA, and IFRC, as well as key journals and the International Disaster and Risk Conference were hand-searched from 1/1/1990 to 8/29/2021. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) checklist was used to select the studies, and the findings were finally analyzed by thematic analysis method using MAXQDA10 software. Results: A total of 40 papers out of a total of 2978 studies were considered in this analysis. Macropolicies, empowerment, contextualization, management and organization, command community-based, and responsive planning were the five primary categories that were found. Conclusion: Preparedness measures are highly important to respond promptly and effectively to sexual violence and should be integrated into disaster preparedness programs. The findings of this study can be used by disaster response managers and policymakers in developing and improving preparedness programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haleh Adibi Larijani
- Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health
Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,
Iran
| | - Shandiz Moslehi
- Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health
Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,
Iran ,Health Management and Economics Research Center, Health Management
Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Corresponding author:Shandiz Moslehi,
| | - Mohsen Dowlati
- Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health
Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,
Iran
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Ebrahimian A, Babaei H. The earthquake's effect on the men's sexual function; 1 year after the earthquake's occurrence: A cross‐sectional study. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e945. [PMCID: PMC9686356 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abbasali Ebrahimian
- Health in Emergencies and Disasters Group, Faculty of Paramedical Qom University of Medical Sciences Qom Iran
| | - Hossein Babaei
- Nursing Care Research Center Semnan University of Medical Sciences Semnan Iran
- Student Research Committee, Nursing School Semnan University of Medical Sciences Semnan Iran
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Strid P, Snead MC, Galang RR, Bish CL, Ellington SR. Fertility and contraception among women of reproductive age following a disaster: a scoping review. Reprod Health 2022; 19:147. [PMID: 35739557 PMCID: PMC9229126 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01436-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence and severity of disasters triggered by natural hazards has increased over the last 20 years. Women of reproductive age may encounter unique reproductive health challenges following a disaster. In this scoping review we identify gaps in literature to inform future research and search for potential associations between disasters by natural hazards and post-disaster fertility and contraception among women of reproductive age. Methods Medline (OVID), Embase (OVID), PsycInfo (OVID), CINAHL (Ebsco), Scopus, Environmental Science Collection (ProQuest Central), and Sociological Abstracts (ProQuest Central) were searched for articles published from 1980 through March 3, 2022 in English or Spanish language. Search terms were related to fertility, contraception, and disasters. We included original research that described a discrete natural hazard exposure, a population of women of reproductive age (15–49 years), and outcomes of fertility or contraception use or access, with pre- and post-disaster measures. Results Among 9788 citations, after initial exclusion 5121 remained for title and abstract review. One hundred and eighteen citations underwent full-text review and 26 articles met the inclusion criteria. Following critical appraisal, 20 articles were included in this review. Eighteen articles described outcomes related to fertility, five articles described contraception access, and three articles described contraception use. Conclusions Clearly defined exposure measures, robust analyses, and methodical post-disaster assessment periods, may address the current gaps within disaster research on fertility and contraception among women of reproductive age. Consistent patterns in fertility following a disaster triggered by natural hazards were not identified between or within disaster types. Studies that assessed contraception found no change in use, while some studies found a decrease in contraceptive access overall. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12978-022-01436-4. Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe. In this scoping review, we explore published literature from 1980 to March 3, 2022 on the impacts of natural disasters for women of reproductive age, 15–49 years. We assess gaps in the literature and search for possible trends in fertility and contraception use and access after a disaster. A targeted literature search in multiple databases resulted in 9,788 citations. Systematic methods were used to identify relevant articles for this scoping review. Of the 20 articles included, we identify several gaps. Future research may benefit from improved disaster exposure measurements, comparing exposed samples to a similar unexposed sample, and measuring outcomes at purposeful post-disaster time points. No consistent patterns were identified among studies assessing post-disaster fertility. Contraception use did not appear to change following disasters, while contraception access generally decreased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Strid
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mailstop S 107-2, GA, 30341, Atlanta, USA.
| | - Margaret Christine Snead
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mailstop S 107-2, GA, 30341, Atlanta, USA
| | - Romeo R Galang
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mailstop S 107-2, GA, 30341, Atlanta, USA
| | - Connie L Bish
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mailstop S 107-2, GA, 30341, Atlanta, USA
| | - Sascha R Ellington
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mailstop S 107-2, GA, 30341, Atlanta, USA
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Essential Professional Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice in Disasters: A Qualitative Study. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2021; 16:2015-2019. [PMID: 34629140 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2021.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Educated midwives have a range of abilities to use their skills in normal situations. Given that working under normal situations is different from critical conditions, the recognition of skills and competencies required for midwifery practice is important. The purpose of this study was to explore specific professional competencies that midwives need to have for the provision of reproductive health services during disasters. METHODS This was a qualitative study using a content analysis method. Subjects were 19 midwives with the work experience of practice in disaster situations. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysis was based on the approach suggested by Graneheim and Lundman. RESULTS Six major categories developed in this study were "safe pregnancy," "safe childbirth," "women's health care," "contraception," "violence and sexually transmitted infections," and "infant care." CONCLUSIONS Midwives can play a very important role in the provision of reproductive health services. Therefore, they must have special capabilities and capacities. Policies and curriculum development are recommended in accordance with the needs of reproductive health in disaster-affected communities.
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Pan K, Beitsch L, Gonsoroski E, Sherchan SP, Uejio CK, Lichtveld MY, Harville EW. Effects of Hurricane Michael on Access to Care for Pregnant Women and Associated Pregnancy Outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:E390. [PMID: 33419129 PMCID: PMC7825524 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Disasters are associated with worse perinatal outcomes, perhaps due to inadequate prenatal care (PNC). Methods: Using 2017-2019 Florida vital statistics, we compared PNC use before and after Hurricane Michael. We categorized counties as most affected (Area A) or less affected (Area B and C). We examined whether Michael's effects on perinatal outcomes varied by maternity care availability and used the Baron and Kenny method to assess whether delayed PNC initiation mediated perinatal outcomes. Log-binomial regression and semi-parametric linear regression were used, controlling for maternal and ZIP code tabulation area characteristics. Results: Compared to the one-year period pre-Michael, the week of the first PNC was later in all areas in the one-year period post-Michael, with the largest change in Area A (adjusted difference 0.112, 95% CI: 0.055-0.169), where women were less likely to receive PNC overall (aRR = 0.994, 95% CI = 0.990-0.998) and more likely to have inadequate PNC (aRR = 1.193, 95% CI = 1.127-1.264). Michael's effects on perinatal outcomes did not vary significantly by maternity care availability within Area A. Delayed PNC initiation appeared to mediate an increased risk in small for gestational age (SGA) births after Michael. Conclusion: Women in Area A initiated PNC later and had a higher likelihood of inadequate PNC. Delayed PNC initiation may partially explain increased risk of SGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Pan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Leslie Beitsch
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA;
| | - Elaina Gonsoroski
- Department of Geography, College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA; (E.G.); (C.K.U.)
| | - Samendra P. Sherchan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (S.P.S.); (M.Y.L.)
| | - Christopher K. Uejio
- Department of Geography, College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA; (E.G.); (C.K.U.)
| | - Maureen Y. Lichtveld
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (S.P.S.); (M.Y.L.)
| | - Emily W. Harville
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
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Khatri GK, Tran TD, Baral S, Fisher J. Experiences of an earthquake during pregnancy, antenatal mental health and infants' birthweight in Bhaktapur District, Nepal, 2015: a population-based cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:414. [PMID: 32689955 PMCID: PMC7370411 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-03086-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Infant birthweight is an important public health indicator that is a proxy of maternal and baby’s health. Earthquakes can cause acute distress, but can also contribute to chronic stress through long-term disruptions to social, economic and domestic circumstances. The aims of this study were to examine the direct effect of earthquake experiences on the birthweight of infants of women who experienced the 2015 Nepal Earthquakes during pregnancy and whether mental health mediated this relationship. Methods This is a prospective, population-based cohort study. Pregnant women in Bhaktapur District, Nepal who had experienced the 2015 earthquakes after conception were recruited. Baseline data were collected in structured individual interviews. Follow up was a short telephone interview two weeks after the baby’s birth. Infant birthweight recorded on the hospital-issued birth certificate. The direct effect of earthquake experiences on birthweight and the indirect effect via antenatal common mental disorders (CMDs) were tested using Sobel tests simultaneously. Results In total 497/498 women contributed baseline data and 469 (94.4%) women also provided the birth weight of their infants. In total 6% of infants had low birth weight (< 2.5 kg). The earthquake experiences did not have a significant direct effect on birthweight (p = 0.116). However, the effect of earthquake experiences had a significant indirect effect on infant birthweight via CMDs. When 15 covariates were controlled, women who had moderate to severe earthquake experiences had an increase of 1.58 scores of antenatal CMD symptoms that resulted in their babies being 20.50 g lighter than those who had low earthquake experiences (p = 0.026). Conclusions The findings from this study indicate that the relationship is mediated by the mental health of women during pregnancy. Data demonstrate that the mental health of women who are pregnant should be prioritised in post-disaster management not only because of the burden experienced by women but also because of the risk for the growth and development of their babies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goma Kumari Khatri
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 4, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia.
| | - Thach Duc Tran
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 4, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | | | - Jane Fisher
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 4, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
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Pregnancy Outcomes of Wives of Chemical and Non-Chemical Weapons Exposed Veterans in Ahvaz, Iran: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Prehosp Disaster Med 2020; 35:477-481. [PMID: 32580798 DOI: 10.1017/s1049023x2000076x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sulphur mustard (HD) is a lipophilic caustic alkylating vesicant (blister agent) that has mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. Among the studied perturbations are long-term genitourinary (GU) and fertility effects. Approximately 50,000 Iranian soldiers and civilians were exposed to HD during the Iraq-Iran war (1980-1989). This study questioned the wives of Iraq-Iran war veterans to determine the effects of male HD-exposure on pregnancy complications, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and secondary infertility. METHODS A retrospective, survey-based cohort study was conducted of wives of Iranian military veterans that survived HD-associated injuries while serving in Ahvaz, Iran during the Iraq-Iran war (1980-1989), as compared to non-exposed veterans serving concomitantly. Patients were identified from a database of injured veterans maintained by the Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs (Iran) via a systematic random sampling method utilizing a random number table. Using a validated questionnaire, collected data included: demographics; type and severity of chemical injury; spouse's obstetric history (pregnancy number, duration, complications, and outcomes before and after spouse's chemical injury); and secondary infertility. RESULTS An increase in spontaneous abortion (P = .03), congenital anomalies (P < .0001), and secondary infertility (P = .003) were observed. These findings were greatest amongst those with HD injuries affecting >50% body surface area. No difference in stillbirth, premature birth, or low birth weight was observed. CONCLUSION Exposure to HD in combat may have long-lasting fertility effects on soldiers and their spouses, including spontaneous abortion, congenital anomalies, and secondary infertility. Further investigation is needed into the long-term effects of HD exposure as well as methods to better protect soldiers.
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Varzaghan Earthquake Affected Mothers' and Their Newborns' Health More Severely, in Socioeconomically Vulnerable Area. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2018; 13:511-518. [PMID: 30295234 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2018.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to compare the pregnancy status of the pregnant women and birth status of their newborns, socioeconomic status, and access to health services, between high- and low-damage areas in Heris, affected by the Varzaghan Earthquake, 2012. METHODS The study was conducted on pregnant women at any trimester of pregnancy (with complete medical profiles in local health centers) in August 2012 (time of the earthquake) who lived in Heris and delivered up to March 2013. Data were obtained on pregnancy- and infant-related variables, housing, socioeconomic status, and access to health services, including food supplies, before and after the earthquake. RESULTS Family income and mothers' education were lower in highly damaged areas. Among these women, underweight at first trimester of pregnancy was higher, and weight gain during the last trimester was lower, compared with low-damage regions. Preterm delivery was higher in low-damage areas. Birth indices of the infants were not significantly different between the 2 areas; however, in highly damaged areas, moderate malnutrition was more prevalent among children under 1 year (weight-for-age) and under 2 years (height-for-age). CONCLUSIONS Socioeconomic status of mothers was lower in highly damaged areas and might have played a role in their own and newborns' health status. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13: 511-518).
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Sohrabizadeh S, Jahangiri K, Khani Jazani R. Reproductive health in the recent disasters of Iran: a management perspective. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:389. [PMID: 29562887 PMCID: PMC5861605 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5311-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Natural disasters represent critical threats to the health, safety, and well-being of a community—including reproductive health, which has been neglected in disaster-stricken regions. The current study was undertaken to explore administrative issues related to post-disaster reproductive health systems in Iran. Methods A qualitative approach using in-depth unstructured interviews was applied to explore the administrative issues of reproductive health systems in the affected regions. A total of 22 participants were interviewed using the purposeful sampling method. Data were collected in three provinces: East Azerbaijan, Bushehr, and Mazandaran. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using the conventional content analysis. Results Six categories of management issues of reproductive health in disasters were extracted from data. These categories were: ignoring cultural factors, lack of planning, lack of training, insufficient data collection, ignoring male reproductive health, and lack of monitoring systems. Conclusion Different challenges to reproductive health management that emerged from the research should be considered and included in reproductive health plans and policies in disaster-affected regions in Iran. Involving community in all processes of providing reproductive health services, from planning to monitoring, is highly suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Sohrabizadeh
- Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health, Safety and Environment, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Katayoun Jahangiri
- Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health, Safety and Environment, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reza Khani Jazani
- Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health, Safety and Environment, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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